Toys for Autistic Children

Autism Affects Many Children

According to reports, one in every 150 children born is autistic, making autism more prevalent than childhood cancers or cystic fibrosis, among other disorders. Boys are three to four time more likely to be affected, and parents who have one autistic child have an increased chance of having more children with autism. According to US statistics, autism is the most increasing developmental disability, increasing 172 percent since the 1990s.

Special Traits

When choosing toys for autistic children, many factors need to be considered beyond the ones for children not affected by this disorder. Of course, age, developmental stage and likes and dislikes should always considered. However, autistic children often display other traits that deserve your attention when selecting toys for them. For instance, autistic children often are attracted to repetitive tasks more than other children are. Children with autism often like movement that helps them coordinate their balance and their motions. Toys that require sensory input are usually popular choices. These concepts ought to be considered when selecting toys for them.

Toys for Autistic Children

Always keep in mind that a toy that one child enjoys may not be enjoyed as much by another. No child is alike. Consider the types of activities the child enjoys when selecting playthings for him or her.

Ages 3 to 7 Years Old

• Building Blocks: These are excellent choices for children with autism because they offer the child stimulation from touch. Various shapes of blocks such as legos, Lincoln Logs, alphabet blocks or other colored blocks with shapes offer visual stimulation and varying shapes to explore with their hands. They also get to build with these, helping them improve their motor skills.
• Paints/Markers with Large Paper: Autistic children need a way to express themselves, and this is it! Select their favorite colors, if you know them, and provide them with enough variety to create their own masterpiece. The large paper gives them plenty of space to work.
• Mix & Match Toys: The typical shape sorter is a good toy for autistic children. They enjoy grouping and organizing things. Colors, shapes, uses are all ways an autistic child may group items. Additionally, a card game called "Match & Spell 3-Letter Word" is a toy designed specially for autistic children.
• Books: Stories that include repetition through sound or rhyme are going to be pleasers! Dr. Seuss books, nursery rhymes and other books that feature this type of rhythmic story telling are preferred. Additionally, books with detailed pictures are going to be better stimulants for an autistic child than those with less interesting pictures.
• Toys with Lights: Autistic children respond to lights. The visual stimulation provided by toys that light up appeal to children.

Ages 8 to 12 Years Old

• Picture Books: Just like younger children, older autistic kids respond to books that feature lots of details and things to look at. Consider the "I Spy" series of books. They stimulate the imagination, encourage them to keep looking and are a source of information for them by identifying various things within the pictures.
• Cash Register with Working Calculator: Encouraging creativity and math skills, this toy allows the autistic child to "try out" what it's like to be in the real world. They can learn money skills, numbers and other basic life skills through role-playing in their own way.
• Board Games: Just like they do for children without autism, board games encourage social skills through play with others. Other skills are learned depending on the type of game, as well.
• Musical Instrument: Musical toys teach so many different concepts to children. They learn music, develop cognitive skills, enhance motor skills and stimulate sensory skills.

Others are Good, Too

Don't limit yourself by selecting only toys on the list above. There are limitless possibilities for toys for autistic children. Additionally, if a toy you present isn't received well, put it away for a time period. Bring it back out at a later date. The toy may have a warm reception then.